BRIGHTON — Authorities Thursday unsealed the indictment against 16 people accused of being part of a wide-ranging marijuana-distribution ring that investigators took down Wednesday.

The suspects are charged with 69 counts ranging from marijuana distribution and conspiracy to money laundering and violations of the Colorado Organized Crime and Control Act. On at least five separate occasions between September and January, the ring is accused of having distributed more than 5 pounds of marijuana, according to the indictment. In at least one instance — an August shipment to New Jersey — the ring is accused of sending pot through the mail. In another instance, in September, members of the ring are accused of distributing 20 pounds of marijuana to Kearney, Neb.

Investigators on Wednesday searched 25 houses across the metro area, in Weld County and in Breckenridge. Police said marijuana was grown in the homes. Sources told 9News that investigators seized 1,000 plants, in addition to lights and other indoor-growing equipment, during the searches.

Authorities have said the ring has no connections to the state’s medical-marijuana system. But attorney Sean McAllister, who often represents medical-marijuana patients and businesses, said some may have been caregivers — small-scale marijuana providers who serve five or fewer patients and whose work is protected by the state constitution.

According to the indictment, the ring was headed by 22-year-old Jordan Buehrer. Buehrer is currently being held in the Adams County Jail on $100,000 bail, according to online jail records.

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